Arenite

The equivalent Greek-derived term is psammite, though this is more commonly used for metamorphosed sediments.

Since it refers to grain size rather than chemical composition, the term is used for example in the classification of clastic carbonatic limestones, as the granulometrically equivalent term sandstone is not appropriate for limestone.

Other arenites include sandstones, arkoses, greensands, and greywackes.

Arenites mainly form by erosion of other rocks or turbiditic re-deposition of sands.

Arenites often appear as massive or bedded medium-grained rocks with a middling- to wide-spaced preferred lamination and often develop a pronounced cleavage.